Veteran CB Damon Arnette set to make NFL return with Texans after three-year absence

The Houston Texans are bringing in cornerback Damon Arnette, per reports from KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson and NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

A former first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Arnette has most recently been suiting up for the UFL's Houston Roughnecks. His last stint in the NFL came with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he saw action in 13 games over two seasons.

Arnette, now 28, was released by the Raiders in November 2021 following a series of off-field incidents. This move marks a potential fresh start as he looks to reignite his career in Houston.

Damon Arnette, picked up 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, saw his professional career spiral quickly. Just under two years after being drafted, the 28-year-old was released by the Raiders following the emergence of a disturbing video showing him flashing firearms and issuing death threats.

Though he briefly joined the Miami Dolphins' practice squad later that year, Arnette never made it back onto a game-day roster.

In his short NFL tenure, Arnette featured in 13 games, tallying 29 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three pass breakups. He was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, but that stint ended abruptly just nine days later when he was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, along with multiple firearm-related offenses. Arnette later took a plea deal, receiving a sentence of 50 hours of community service, a $2,000 fine, and was required to surrender the weapon involved.

Legal trouble followed into last year when he was arrested for meth possession and illegal firearm possession. However, his legal team claimed the medication in question was lawfully prescribed and that the arrest wouldn’t have happened had Arnette been able to provide proof at the time.

In a recent sit-down with KPRC’' Aaron Wilson, Arnette opened up about turning a new leaf. He revealed that the past three years have been a period of reflection and personal transformation, reassessing his values and making lifestyle changes as he attempts a comeback in Houston.

Here's some of the quick reaction from the NFL world on the news:

Damon Arnette most recently suited up for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL this season, showcasing his desire to stay in the game. Now, he’s getting another shot at redemption, joining the Houston Texans with hopes of rewriting both his personal story and professional legacy.